Chicago Bears beat Washington 25-24 by winning the physical battle at the line of scrimmage. Benedet and Wright anchored a rejuvenated run block, yielding 108 yards for D’Andre Swift and opening longer drives. Williams found time to throw, and the defense harassed the Commanders, limiting the run and sealing the win with a stout performance in the trenches. If the line stays cohesive, Chicago’s run-based attack and NFC North ceiling look notably higher.

McLaurin and Noah Brown sit Week 6, forcing Washington to adjust its passing game against Chicago’s retooled offensive line. Theo Benedet starts at left tackle for the Bears, a benching of Braxton Jones that could influence the edge battle with Dorance Armstrong, who is enjoying a career year with elite pressures and five sacks. Washington’s 15 sacks this season rank high, while Chicago’s pass protection has allowed seven, setting up a pivotal trench duel. The Green Bay Week 2 snapshot offers a cautionary tale about anchored pressure and limited backdrops when the front is unsettled. In this week’s MNF clash, Benedet vs Armstrong emerges as a key matchup that could tip the outcome and infl uence fantasy projections for Howell and the Washington receivers.

Bears enter their bye week with optimism but a host of warning signs that threaten fantasy upside. Williams has sparked two wins but faces first-half struggles, while the run game remains non-existent and presnap penalties multiply. Health on defense is thin, and the pass rush isn’t closing doors. The Monday night test vs Washington will reveal if Chicago can stabilize offensively and keep the defense from crumbling. Monitor Williams, the evolving run game, and the health of core defenders as the schedule picks up.

Chicago Bears enter the bye week with a pointed self-scout focused on rebalancing the offense and shoring up run defense. The left-side run drought is stark (left end 4.17 yards, 24th), while right-end success (6.85 yards) suggests a shift to the right and more gap blocking. Tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland are underutilized (TEs 17% of targets; 12-personnel ~39%), so Williams should target them more often and earlier. Health on defense, especially Edwards and Gordon, could stabilize the run game. Fantasy angles point to Loveland and Kmet emerging with increased looks if the scheme shifts. Caleb Williams’ distribution idea adds intrigue, but the core fix is balance and tempo.